Would fit in well and with modern theming something like that should be quite good. Not much they can really do with the space, so it will be nice to see it all refreshed. I'm not sure anything in there currently was ever changed from when it first opened.

I know I'm probably on my own with this but I'm heart broken. Hocus Pocus Hall was always something I made sure I visited on every visit as it's just so happy and fun. But. I am intrigued to see what they plan to do with this!

I can't say I'm surprised that Hocus Pocus Hall is going. It is a shadow of what it once was and has been looking very tired for a while now. I think it was pretty obvious once the 3D glasses were taken away that it was on borrowed time. For me, it's never been something I've gone out of my way to do at the Resort - in fact on several occasions I've waited outside whilst others have gone in. Having said that, I know many people loved the attraction, especially younger families and I think whatever replaces it needs to ensure it is aimed at that same audience.

It will be interesting to see what replaces Hocus Pocus Hall. If I remember correctly the building is at least protected, if not listed, which will limit what can be done to it. Having seen how well Gruffalo was done, I'm hopeful that whatever we get in place of Hocus Pocus will be of just a high standard.

I'm sure it is all pointing towards Room on the Broom. The IP has been used for storytelling sessions and is due to return this Halloween....

Young Adventurers can enjoy a spooky storytelling with characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much loved story. Meet the witch with ‘a very tall hat’ and find out if there is room for you and your family on her ‘truly magnificent broom’!

I slightly hope it isn't, but I'm pretty sure Justin's right. It would suck to watch another original concept ride being replaced with an IP, but I guess it can't be helped. I am very glad that they are revamping Hocus Pocus. It was my fav as a child but those effects are long outdated. The preshow is terrifying for all the wrong reasons. That said, I will miss it.

Forget Room on the Broom, the real development we should be excited for is that Chessington are requesting permission to start removing the southern car park dirt tracks and install a proper tarmac road! See planning application 18/10417.

The plans show the entire perimeter road of the car park as having the request to be upgraded, with just the lanes to the rows remaining gravel. Whilst it would have been great to include the main arteries as well, it's the perimeter road that is the absolute worst on site.

From the covering letter:

There is an urgent need for CWoAR to resurface the existing trackways within the Southern Car Park. The majority of these currently consist of uneven, gravelled routes that are unable to cope during periods of wet weather, when the car park becomes “boggy” (see Figure 1 below). This can often result in cars getting stuck and needing to be towed out, ruining a visitor’s experience of the Resort and creating traffic and associated operational challenges. These issues have been ongoing for many years; it has reached the point that CWoAR has to take action to resolve the situation.

The covering letter suggests Chessington believe they should be able to do this under existing agreements, with the application essentially be a covering themselves exercise.

This is great news if it all gets accepted and should mean that the first ride of the day at Chessington, isn't getting into the car park!